BMC asks agencies to implement ₹1.70-lakh-crore mobility plan

The study has a projected cost of Rs 1,70,582 crore, needed to build a robust transport system over next 20 years.

After a four-month delay in implementing the suggestions mentioned in the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — that had appointed a consultant to conduct a detailed traffic and transport study — has finally taken a step towards its implementation. The BMC forwarded the plan to stakeholders such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA), the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST), the Indian Railways (IR) / Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and the traffic police to incorporate the study’s findings in their future development projects.

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The study has a projected cost of Rs 1,70,582 crore, needed to build a robust transport system over next 20 years. While the MMRDA will contribute Rs76,283 crore, the BMC’s investment is pegged at Rs69,000 crore. IR will contribute Rs18,359, BEST will shell out Rs2,590 crore and the traffic police will contribute Rs1,350 crore, said civic officials.

“The MMRDA’s investment is for the construction of metro lines. The plan also includes the BMC’s coastal road plan,along with various land acquisition costs,” said a civic official.

The report suggests a review of short term, medium term and long term transport investments every five years. The study suggests an action plan to be undertaken by the stakeholders to strengthen the transport network. It also suggests the implementation of an integrated fare structure and a common ticketing system. The study prioritises road widening projects.

However, the projects will have to be completed individually and there are no mechanisms to see whether the study’s suggestions are incorporated. “As the development plan mentions the CMP, the state government will monitor it,” said another official.

The study was conducted by dividing Mumbai into 577 separate traffic zones. The consultant conducted household surveys and surveys of transport patterns and traffic delays at major areas. It estimates Mumbai’s population growth at 13.9 million in 2034, of which about 8 million will use the transport system daily.